Heart of the Glen is a compelling and heartfelt historical fiction story of found family, forgiveness, and a side of sweet romance.

Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction (1912), Found Family, Love Story, Weaving, Friendship, Rural Village, Ireland

***This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links

My Summary:

Thanks #NetGalley @AustenProse @RevellBooks for a complimentary eARC of #HeartOfTheGlen upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Saoirse arrives at Drumboe Castle (1912) to start her new job as a housemaid, and she finds that the owner has died. Saoirse is turned away with nowhere to go. Her family has died in a tragic accident and she’s literally alone in the world. As she wanders down the road, a woman named Aileen picks her up and offers her a place to stay for the night. Aileen and her brother live on a sheep farm and her brother, Owen, is a weaver. With no other options, Saoirse is determined to prove to Aileen and Owen that they need her as much as she needs them.

My Thoughts:

Themes

Thoughtful and poignant themes in Heart of the Glen include women supporting women, found family, determination, faith, helping others, guilt, acceptance, heartache, tragedy, friendship, healing, and trust. And yes, a side of slow-burn, sweet romance!

“Are you living an exceedingly abundant life, Saoirse? Or is your life defined by what’s been stolen from you?”

Imagery

As this story shares the weaving process, it also reminds us that lives can be woven together in mysterious and wonderful ways. Hardship and heartache can be part of a beautiful design.

Setting and Characters

Authentic and relatable characters, the Irish lilt, Irish customs, sensory details, and vivid descriptions add to this atmospheric story. I especially loved the singing, which helped set and maintain the weaving rhythm.

Content Consideration: family tragedy as a result of fire

Recommending Heart of the Glen:

Fans of Jennifer Deibel will want to add this new release to your TBR! I’m warmly recommending Heart of the Glen for readers who appreciate thoughtful themes (including faith) in a compelling histfic story and an Irish setting. Perfect for “Reading Ireland” challenges and for book clubs.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

More Information Here

Meet the Author of Heart of the Glen, Jennifer Deibel

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and author. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona.

Author photo credit: Katherine Marini, Photography by Katherine Nicole

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QOTD:

Do you love stories set in Ireland?

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All books I review are purchased or borrowed from the library unless explicitly stated that the book is free (arc).

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